1. Exceptional Memory: Elephants have large hippocampi and large temporal lobes, which enable them to recall and recognise individuals, even after decades
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2. Emotional Intelligence: They display complex emotions like grief, joy, and empathy, often showing compassion to injured or distressed family members
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3. Self-Awareness: They recognise themselves in mirrors, demonstrating self-awareness, a cognitive ability shared by only a few species
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4. Cooperative Problem-Solving: They work together to achieve tasks, like helping each other out of mud or retrieving food
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5. Communication: Elephants use a range of vocalisations (infrasound, rumbles, trumpets) and body language to convey emotions and intentions
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6. Trunk Versatility: Their trunks contain over 40,000 muscles, allowing for precise movements, like picking up small objects or greeting each other
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7. Social Structure: Elephants live in matriarchal herds, led by the oldest female, who guides and protects the group
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8. Ecosystem Engineers: By creating pathways and dispersing seeds, elephants play a crucial role in shaping their environments